Bartending Pro Tips Part 1:
A few essential things every bartender should know.
Here are a few important tips that any bartender should know before starting their career and some ways to keep their service performance high.
- The rule of thumb for the amount of liquor you need to stock on your shelves is one bottle per 10 people in attendance, which means you need around 25 bottles. When you go out with customers, be sure when they order that it's not too much alcohol or they might get drunk before the night goes off without a hitch. Being overburdened by drinks can lead to sloppy service and dramatically ramp up the number of potential injuries. If you are unsure of what to serve, go to a bar where you're sure they will be serving alcohol and ask them.
- You should always have at least one batch of ice in your freezer for when someone gets themselves into trouble. Whether it's being served too much or not enough, having two batches on hand is a good idea. Bar managers should have at least one more than that just in case when the first batch is gone the second will be ready within 30 minutes. Bar glasses should always be cleaned and ready to go as well. If they're not, that's an indication something may be wrong with your bar equipment or maintenance staff.
- When you are not busy, you should be observing. This includes watching your coworkers and other customers to see if they have any problems. It is important to help them with any issues as soon as possible, as it will help make sure that your bar continues to stay in business.
- You should always be willing to help out customers that are outside of your service area. For example, if someone is ordering a drink that requires another bartender's attention but they're too busy doing something else then offer to get it for them or call the other bartender over (you should also try not do this more than once every 30 minutes).
- You should always learn a few helpful cleaning and maintenance tricks for your bar. For example, wiping down your bar top with a little bleach water every now and then to get rid of stains from spilled drinks or cleaning the edges of the bar with an old toothbrush every few days to keep things looking nice and shiny.
- If you are working on an empty bar, then always be sure to pick up and drop off empty glasses as soon as they are emptied so that you do not keep customers waiting. Also, if you have to politely refuse customers when they ask for more alcohol, it will help make sure that you don't run out before your shift ends.
- If a customer is in your bar and you have to go on break and they are not drinking, or if you happen to be too busy to do anything because you have a break and they are there, offer to take them outside. This will always provide a positive experience for them and will ensure that they are on your good side for the rest of the night.
- Always be friendly with customers when they come into your bar. Contrary to popular belief, some customers don't like being ignored even if it is just for a few minutes. Be nice, speak respectfully with them, listen to all their complaints (especially when they're free), and try not to interrupt anyone's conversations unless it's something important.
- If you are working for a bar that has a manager on duty, listen to them. They have a better idea of what is happening than you do and are more experienced so you should ask for their opinions before doing something risky. Always pay attention to the commands they are giving you. Even if you think they're wrong, it's best to listen to what they have to say and not complain about it in front of your coworkers or customers.
- If your bar is one that requires pants, don't wear jeans unless they're black. Jeans are too loose fitting and rough on skin so it can create a hazard by catching onto items beneath the counter (like glass cups). Dress pants are more durable, free of fabric loops and pockets that can catch onto other items, and they keep your legs covered as well.
- If your bar requires shirts, try to wear button up ones so that you don't have to worry about them riding up your back or sleeves getting caught on objects. Do not wear tank tops (unless it covers the whole torso), T-shirts (as long as it covers at least the shoulders and chest), or camisoles (as long as it covers the shoulders). When you're working with bare arms, try to keep them covered with a napkin when you're reaching into low cabinets or are leaning over a lot because they can get pretty dirty.
- If you wear a hat when you're working at your bar, try to wear one that has a strap because they're safer. This is especially important for baseball caps, beanies, and any type of fedora.
- Do not touch your face or hair without washing first and make sure to keep your hands away from your face when reaching for items behind the counter or doing something else (such as using the cash register).
- Make sure that you always wash your hands before and after work. If you don't have access to hot water, try using wet wipes instead or rubbing alcohol on the areas that are normally washed with hot water.
- If you are working in a restaurant, try to make sure your shoes are not too slippery on the floor. This is especially important when your floor is made out of linoleum or any other material that can be damaged by shoe friction.
- Do not wear any type of clothing that could catch onto objects. This includes jewelry, belts, and hair accessories.
- Try to stay out of the kitchen (aside from emergencies) because you don't want to potentially get yelled at by the cooks or managers. You don't need to be in there so if they tell you to go out then do it immediately without asking questions.
- If you have to move, be careful with what you drag across the floor. Especially when moving tables and chairs, it's important to keep a grip on them so that they do not slide. When moving things from shelves, cabinets, and the wall, lift with your knees instead of your thighs because it will make sure that you won't damage the flooring underneath you by dragging the object across it.
- Be sure to keep all of your makeup equipment in one place when working at a bar because if anything gets knocked over or accidentally spills on anyone than it could stain their clothes or skin.
- Do not wear high heeled shoes while working at your bar because they can damage floors and linoleum. You should also stick with flats unless you are certain that they are the right size.
- If you have to bend down, try to keep your knees together to avoid accidentally scratching the floor.
- Try not to wear any kind of exposed jewelry while working at your bar because it can catch onto objects or glass. This includes hair accessories, necklaces, and dog tags.
- Any exposed skin (like hands or arms) can get pretty dirty if you don't wash them properly so be sure to wash them at least once before and after work.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of what proper bar etiquette is and what you should pay attention to when you're working behind the bar. The more people know about good habits like these and how to treat other customers with respect, the better everyone will be. Until next time, I am "Slytherin" Slytherin on my free time and "Muggleborn" Muggleborn during classes because I don't want to be called a dirty filthy blood traitor!
References & Resources
Chicago Bar/Club Etiquette: http://www.latech.edu/ncer/cbarclubetiquette.pdf New York State Liquor Authority: http://www.ilga.